Families in Canada - Unit 1

Socialization

The lifelong process by which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and behaviors necessary for participation in society.

Norms

The informal rules and expectations that guide behavior in a society.

Values

The cultural ideals that people believe are important, such as honesty, hard work, and respect.

Primary Socialization

The first stage of socialization that occurs in childhood, where basic skills and behaviors are learned (e.g., language, walking, social interaction).

Agents of Socialization

The individuals, groups, or institutions that influence an individual's social development (e.g., family, school, peers, media).

Institutions

Structures in society (e.g., school, religion, government) that help shape social norms and values.

Social Media

A modern agent of socialization that influences identity, communication, and self-perception.

Adolescence

A developmental stage marked by physical, emotional, and social changes, typically occurring between ages 12-18.

New Media

Digital forms of communication such as social media, online gaming, and streaming services that shape social interaction and identity.

Identity Development

The process by which adolescents develop a sense of self and personal identity, influenced by peers, media, and culture.

Limbic System

The part of the brain involved in emotions and memory, which develops earlier than the prefrontal cortex, leading to impulsive behavior in teens.

Amygdala

The brain structure responsible for processing emotions, especially fear and aggression.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals in the brain; dopamine plays a major role in teen risk-taking behavior.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward; its increased activity in adolescence contributes to risk-taking and sensation-seeking.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, emotions, and impulse control.

Prefrontal Cortex

The part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning, which is still developing in adolescents.

Myelination

The process of forming a protective sheath around neurons, improving the speed and efficiency of neural connections.

Synaptic Pruning

The process of eliminating weak or unused neural connections, making the brain more efficient during adolescence.

Symbolic Thinking

The ability to use symbols, language, and images to represent objects and concepts.

Abstract Thinking

The ability to think about complex and hypothetical situations.

Formal Operational Stage

The final stage of Piaget's cognitive development theory, in which adolescents develop logical and abstract thinking skills.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

A key stage in adolescence where individuals explore their identity and develop a sense of self.

Adolescent Egocentrism

The heightened self-consciousness of adolescents, believing they are the center of attention.

Imaginary Audience

The belief that others are constantly watching and judging them.

Personal Fable

The belief that one's experiences are unique and no one else can understand them.

Invincibility Fable

The belief that one is immune to harm, leading to risky behavior.

Pre-Conventional Level

Morality based on avoiding punishment and seeking rewards.

Conventional Level

Morality based on societal norms and approval.

Post-Conventional Level -

Morality based on abstract principles and justice.

Moral Dilemmas

Situations that require individuals to decide between conflicting moral principles.

Heinz Dilemma

A moral dilemma used by Kohlberg to assess moral reasoning.

Identity Diffusion

No commitment or exploration of identity.

Identity Foreclosure

Commitment without exploration (following family expectations without question).

Identity Moratorium

Active exploration of identity without commitment.

Identity Achievement

Commitment after exploring different identities.

Social Categorization

Classifying people into groups based on shared characteristics.

Social Identification

adopting the identity of a social group.

Social Comparison

Comparing one's group to others to enhance self-esteem.

Genes

The hereditary material that influences physical and behavioral traits.

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring

Genetic Predisposition

The likelihood of developing certain traits or conditions based on genetics.

Concordance Rate

The probability that two individuals share the same trait or condition.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors influence gene expression.

Self-Selection Bias

-A research bias where participants' choices influence the study results.

Minnesota Twin Study

a study examining identical twins raised apart to understand genetic vs. environmental influences

Swedish Twin Registry

A large-scale twin study used for medical and psychological research.

Neubauer Twin Study

A controversial study where twins were separated at birth to study nature vs. nurture effects.

Concerted Cultivation

parenting style where children's talents are actively developed (often seen in high-SES families).

Accomplishment of Natural Growth

A parenting style where children develop independently with less structured guidance (often seen in lower-SES families).

Jean Piaget

Cognitive Development Theory (formal operational stage in teens)

Erik Erikson

Psychosocial Development Theory (identity vs. role confusion in teens)

David Elkind

Adolescent egocentrism (imaginary audience, personal fable, invincibility fable)

Kohlberg

Moral Development Theory (pre-, conventional, post-conventional morality)

James Marcia

Identity Statuses (diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, achievement)

Henri Tajfel & John Turner

Social Identity Theory (group behavior and self-concept)

Peter Neubauer

Neubauer Twin Study (separating twins for nature vs. nurture research)

Anette Lareau

Parenting styles (concerted cultivation vs. accomplishment of natural growth)

Chris Langan

Intelligence and success (influence of environment on high IQ individuals)

Malcolm Gladwell

Outliers theory (success shaped by opportunity, privilege, and cultural background)